Extending the grazing season past the warm weather months isn't just a great way to save on fuel and time, it also can significantly reduce feeding costs. Bale and swath grazing or grazing stock-piled fields isn't as difficult as it first appears, though some planning is required. RealAgriculture.com asked Dr. Vern Baron, with AAFC, and... Read More
Category: Cattle
Cargill has announced that they will be shutting down its Plainview, Texas Cattle slaughter plant. Cargill cited a shrinking cattle supply as one of the reasons for the decision. Is this a big surprise, not really in terms of the excess capacity that is in North America. For Canada, the near term impact is a... Read More
Managing your risk continues to be the message that drives the decision making strategies of feedyards and ranches in Canada and the United States. One piece of stability to the Canadian market is the announcement that JBS will be exercising its option on the XL Foods purchase. All this and more in the Beef Market... Read More
China has approved four additional Canadian beef facilities that will now be able to export beef to China, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced today. The newly approved establishments will increase the Canadian export capacity for beef in a market estimated by the industry to be worth approximately $20 million... Read More
Cattle's nutritional needs change throughout the production cycle. Even a full-grown bull is going to need extra energy to get through a cold winter, but pregnant cows or growing animals have even more dynamic needs throughout the winter months. In fact, a cow's energy needs can increase significantly and protein requirements can nearly double during... Read More
JBS USA, a subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., has announced it is moving forward with purchasing XL Foods's Canadian operations. JBS took over management of the Brooks-based plant in late October after E. coli contamination shut down operations at the plant. JBS, upon exercising this option, anticipates the purchase of XL Foods to be completed... Read More
2012 is winding down, but optimism and fed cattle prices are up. Heading into to 2013, the Canadian beef cattle industry looks strong, although high feed prices are still weighing on the market. Our American friends are still struggling with a drought that isn't resolving quickly, which may offer some support to prices in the... Read More
Providing an optimal feed ration for each stage of cattle production takes planning, as forage and grain varies in quality and composition from year to year and from bin to bin. Feed testing is the integral first step to developing a balanced and complete ration. Optimal rations maximize feeding efficiency, which can help cattle producers... Read More
Moving livestock safely, even short distances, requires the right type of trailer, skilled handlers and an informed plan for transport length and conditions. In order to ensure Canadian cattle are being handled with positive outcomes in mind, we need scientifically-informed guidelines for what appropriate travel durations and conditions are. Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, an Agriculture and... Read More
Most of the pomp and circumstance at cattle shows swirls around the big purebred championships. It's not different at Canadian Western Agribition, where show-stopping bulls sell for more money than most people's cars cost. There's a lot more that goes on at Agribition, though, that doesn't always get as much attention, but it's important nonetheless.... Read More